When traveling you might consider packing some of these things? Why? Read on.
Duct Tape
Pack duct tape to protect your bag, fix broken zippers, rips, and torn handles. Don’t worry. You don’t need to pack the whole heavy roll. While the travel size package is nice, it’s cheaper and just as easy to wrap some around a pencil or a straw.
Whistle
I never used this, but some travelers wouldn’t be caught without one. I guess if I was traveling alone and wasn’t sure about the neighborhood, it would be great to have.
Decoy Wallet
Again…never used this. You could keep a small change purse in your purse. Put a few dollars and some coins in it in case you were ever robbed.
Reusable Water Bottle
These come in handy as they take up so little room. Once you’re through security, you can fill it from the water foundation or at a restaurant.
Laundry Bag
I always have some type of laundry bag in my suitcase. I really don’t want my dirty clothes smelling up my clean ones. Depending on how long I’m gone and if the apartment or hotel has a washing machine…I don’t have to keep those dirty clothes for very long. Don’t forget to pack some laundry detergent as well. If you buy the little pack-type detergent, leave it in its original bag. No need to have TSA grill you about your little packs of white powder.
Reusable Shopping Bag
Do you chronically leave a stack of plastic or paper shopping bags behind in your hotel room when you check out? Then you’re the perfect candidate for a reusable shopping bag that can be folded up and stowed in your day bag, then whipped out to hold the day’s purchases. And since reusable bags tend to be tougher than the disposable ones, they are handy for heavier purchases and can do double duty as picnic baskets and beach bags.
Emergency Snack
Okay…I am NEVER without this. A small bag of almonds in my purse has saved me many times. I get just enough protein and carbs to hold me over until I can find something other than street food that’s still alive. I also have a granola bar handy. You never know!
Extra Memory Card
There has been only one time when I forgot to pack this. That was the time my camera’s memory was full and I had to spend extra time finding a store. Not good. Pack one.
Power Strip
Outlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Forgot your charging iPod in your hotel room? By plugging all of your electronics into the same place, you’ll be less likely to leave one behind. One catch: Abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter and a converter
Bandanna
The list of obvious uses for a bandanna is long—hand towel, lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened), but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater, as a sling for a sprained arm, or…whatever works for you.
Travel Mug
To prevent damage, transport sunglasses or delicate souvenirs in an empty travel mug with a wide mouth. Make sure it’s got a secure screw top. During your trip, the mug can be an ecofriendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room. I mean what thief would steal a coffee-stained thermos?
Silicone Travel Bottles
TSA-approved mini bottles are old news to an experienced traveler like you. But their rigid plastic shells waste expensive moisturizer, sunscreen, and hair products that can’t be squeezed out. I’ve tried. Replace them with squishy travel bottles made from transparent, soft silicone. These are easy to clean, more flexible to pack, and good ’til the last drop.
Safety Pins
The safety pin…almost as good as duct tape. This multifunctional travel tool can clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves, serve as a missing button, or zipper pull.
Now that you have an idea of what to pack, let’s talk about what NOT to pack.
More clothes than you need
Since clothes tend to make up the bulk of your suitcase, this is an area where you can consolidate. And, here’s where a list comes in handy. So does planning your wardrobe around neutral colors.
I’m not saying you need to wear the same things day after day.
If you’re staying where there is a washer…you will have to pack less things. Remember to bring detergent. No washer? Pack things that can be washed in the sink at night. By morning, you’ll have clean clothes.
If you check the weather before you go, you’ll also have a better idea of what bulky items you can leave at home. Dressing in layers may work better than packing heavy sweaters.